THE SSA REPRESENTATIVES LIE!!! When I filed they told me one thing and then did another. GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING! And record the calls if your state allows it!!!! They'll tell you anything to get you off the phone and then you have NO RECOURSE when they mess up your benefits. I'm still fighting them 7 months later!!!

Thank you all for the helpful information! After reading everyone's responses, I think I'll wait until my FRA to file for benefits since my own retirement amount will be higher than the spousal benefit anyway. I'll try using that Claimyr service to actually speak with SSA and confirm all this information. It's frustrating that this strategy is no longer available to people my age, but at least now I understand the rules better.

I'm so confused...I went to SSA office yesterday and the person told me they aren't processing these yet and to come back in April. But you all are saying you've gotten calls? Are different offices handling this differently?

This is why I tell EVERYONE to file as early as possible when new benefits become available! My mother-in-law waited 3 months after the POMS update for GPO and now she's at the back of the line. The early bird gets the worm with SSA. Always file right away and let them sort it out.

Wait I thought the whole WEP repeal thing didn't pass?? My father in law was telling me Congress was talking about it but nothing actually happened. Are you sure its actually repealed?

Since several people have pointed out that the WEP repeal hasn't actually happened yet, your husband's current situation remains unchanged. His benefit is still reduced by WEP, and if that amount ($1,375) is higher than half of your PIA at your FRA, then he wouldn't qualify for spousal benefits at this time.

I don't think your month of birth works with your FRA date. If you're 66 and 1 month NOW (Jan 2025), you were born in Dec 1958, which means your FRA would be 66 and 8 months (Aug 2025), not June 2025. Can you double-check this? It might change your calculations.

Based on all the information and corrections, here's a summary of your optimal strategy: 1. Apply now but specify January 2025 as your benefit start month 2. Make sure to apply for both your retirement benefit and the spousal benefit simultaneously 3. Your March-May earnings ($10,500) are well below the pre-FRA limit, so no benefits will be withheld 4. The permanent reduction for starting 5 months early is minimal ($52/month) compared to receiving 5 extra months of payments 5. After June 2025 (your FRA), you can earn unlimited amounts without affecting your benefits Taking benefits in January 2025 appears to be the mathematically optimal choice in your specific situation.

Your calculation is correct. If your teacher's pension is $3,400/month, then 2/3 of that is about $2,267. If your late husband's benefit would have been $3,000, then after applying GPO, your survivor benefit would be approximately $733 ($3,000 - $2,267). This is why GPO can be so devastating for those with non-covered pensions. Many people are shocked when they realize how much it reduces their survivor benefits. However, you'll still receive your own retirement benefit if it's higher than the GPO-reduced survivor benefit. You don't lose both - you'll get the higher of the two. For your next call, I suggest asking for a PEBES (Personal Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement) and a detailed written explanation of how both WEP and GPO affect your specific situation. This documentation will be invaluable for your records and for understanding exactly what benefits you'll receive.

To answer your question about WEP and survivor benefits: The two calculations are separate, but related in terms of what you ultimately receive. Applying for survivor benefits doesn't directly change the WEP reduction on your own retirement benefit. WEP only applies to benefits based on your own earnings record. However, when you apply for survivor benefits, SSA will determine which is higher: your WEP-reduced retirement benefit OR your GPO-reduced survivor benefit. You'll receive the higher amount, not both. This process might be what the representative was referring to when mentioning adjustments, as they need to recalculate and compare both benefits. Regarding documenting your conversation: While SSA calls aren't officially recorded for your access, I recommend: 1. Taking detailed notes during the call 2. Asking for the representative's name and ID number 3. Requesting all information be sent to you in writing 4. Following up with a written summary to your local SSA office The most important thing is getting a formal, written explanation of your benefits calculation that shows exactly how WEP and GPO are being applied in your case.